How Much Are Drinks on Princess Cruise Line Revealed

Drink prices on Princess Cruise Line vary by type and venue, but guests can expect to pay between $6 and $15 for most beverages. Cocktails, wine, and premium spirits trend higher, especially in specialty bars and during peak hours, while non-alcoholic options like soda and coffee are often more affordable or included in packages. To save, consider purchasing a drink package—like the Premier Beverage Package—starting around $60–$80 per day, which can pay off quickly for frequent imbibers.

Key Takeaways

• Drinks are pricey: Expect to pay cruise-typical markups on cocktails, wine, and beer.
• Buy a package: Save with all-inclusive drink packages if you consume 4+ drinks daily.
• Happy hour deals: Take advantage of discounted drinks during select daily time slots.
• Specialty venues cost more: Premium lounges and bars charge higher prices than main bars.
• Free options available: Water, tea, coffee, and basic juices are included at no extra cost.
• Check for promotions: Look for seasonal discounts or free drink offers during booking.

How Much Are Drinks on Princess Cruise Line? Let’s Break It Down

Ah, the open sea, the gentle sway of the ship, and the clink of a cocktail glass as you watch the sunset. If you’ve ever dreamed of a Princess cruise, you’ve probably wondered about one thing: how much are drinks on Princess Cruise Line? It’s a question I asked myself before my first cruise—and one that many first-timers (and even seasoned cruisers) grapple with. After all, drinks can make or break your vacation budget.

Let me share what I’ve learned from my own experiences, conversations with fellow cruisers, and a fair amount of research. Whether you’re sipping a piña colada by the pool, enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, or toasting to a special occasion, knowing what to expect can help you plan better. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into drink prices, package options, and even a few money-saving hacks to keep your vacation fun—and your wallet happy.

Understanding the Basics: What You’ll Pay for Drinks

Princess Cruises doesn’t include most drinks in the base fare, which means you’ll be paying à la carte or opting for a drink package. But before we get into packages, let’s look at the raw cost of drinks. Prices can vary slightly depending on the ship, itinerary, and even time of day, but here’s a general idea of what to expect.

Soft Drinks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

If you’re not into alcohol, you’re in luck—soft drinks are relatively affordable. A standard soda (Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, etc.) typically costs between $2.50 and $3.50. Bottled water runs around $3.00 to $4.50, depending on the brand and size. Freshly squeezed juices, like orange or pineapple, are a bit pricier at $4.00 to $6.00 per glass.

One thing to note: tap water is free and readily available at buffets, restaurants, and bars. I always carry a reusable water bottle (many ships even provide them) and refill it throughout the day. It’s eco-friendly and saves you a few bucks.

For kids or designated drivers, mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) are a fun option. These usually cost $6.00 to $9.00 and come with the same flair as their boozy counterparts—umbrellas and all.

Beer and Wine: The Everyday Choices

Beer lovers, rejoice. Domestic beers (think Budweiser, Coors, Miller) cost around $5.50 to $6.50 per bottle or draft. Imported beers, like Heineken or Guinness, are slightly more at $6.50 to $7.50. Craft or specialty brews can go up to $8.00 or more.

Wine by the glass is where things get interesting. A standard house red or white runs $8.00 to $10.00. Premium wines (think Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or a nice Sauvignon Blanc) are $12.00 to $16.00. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of sparkling wine or champagne might set you back $14.00 to $18.00.

At dinner, the wine list offers bottles from $30 to $150+, so it’s worth checking if the sommelier has any daily specials or pairings. I once scored a fantastic Cabernet for $35 during a themed dinner—much cheaper than the $80+ options on the menu.

Cocktails, Spirits, and Specialty Drinks

Now, for the fun stuff. Cocktails are where prices can jump. A classic Margarita, Mojito, or Cosmopolitan typically costs $10.00 to $12.00. Specialty cocktails (like the “Sea Breeze” or “Tropical Sunset”) might be $13.00 to $15.00, especially if they include premium liquor or garnishes.

Straight spirits (vodka, gin, rum, whiskey) are around $7.00 to $9.00 for a standard pour. Premium or top-shelf options (Grey Goose, Patron, Macallan) can cost $12.00 to $20.00+. If you’re a bourbon fan, be prepared to pay more for the good stuff.

Don’t forget about frozen drinks. A blended piña colada or daiquiri usually runs $11.00 to $13.00. These are perfect for poolside lounging, but they add up fast if you’re sipping them all day.

Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?

Princess Cruises offers several drink packages, and choosing the right one can save you money—if you drink enough. But they’re not for everyone. Let’s break down the options and see if they’re right for you.

The Premier Beverage Package

This is the most popular (and most comprehensive) option. For around $89 to $99 per person, per day (prices vary by itinerary and booking time), you get:

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, and beer up to $15.00 each
• Unlimited wine by the glass up to $15.00
• Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (sodas, juices, mocktails, coffee, tea)
• 15% off bottles of wine and spirits
• 20% off premium coffee and bottled water

So, is it worth it? Let’s do the math. If you have two cocktails ($22), one glass of wine ($10), and a soda ($3) per day, you’re already at $35. Add in a few more drinks, and you’re past the daily cost. But if you’re a light drinker (maybe one beer and a soda), it’s probably not.

One tip: Princess often offers package discounts if you book early or during promotions. I once got it for $69/day by booking 6 months in advance. Watch for those deals.

The Classic Soda & More Package

For non-drinkers or kids, this package is a steal. At $12.99 to $14.99 per person, per day, you get:

• Unlimited sodas, juices, and non-alcoholic cocktails
• Unlimited specialty coffee and bottled water
• 20% off premium coffee and bottled water

It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants to enjoy the bar scene without alcohol. My sister, who doesn’t drink, swears by this package. She loves the mocktails and never runs out of iced tea.

The Wine & Beer Package

This one’s for the wine and beer lovers. Priced around $59 to $69 per person, per day, it includes:

• Unlimited beer up to $8.00
• Unlimited wine by the glass up to $12.00
• Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks

It’s a good middle ground if you’re not into cocktails but want to enjoy a few glasses of wine with dinner. Just be aware that premium wines and craft beers may not be fully covered—you’ll pay the difference.

Key Considerations Before Buying

• Drinking habits: Are you a “one beer at dinner” person, or do you like to party? Be honest with yourself.
• Itinerary length: On a 7-day cruise, even a $10/day package adds up to $70. On a 3-day cruise, it’s less impactful.
• Shared packages: Princess allows couples to share a Premier package, but both must purchase it. No splitting.
• Gratuities: A 15-18% service charge is added to all packages. Factor that into your budget.

One thing I learned: don’t wait until you’re on the ship. Prices are often higher onboard, and availability isn’t guaranteed. Book in advance if you’re sure you’ll use it.

Specialty Venues and Upscale Drinks

Princess Cruises has several specialty bars and lounges where drinks are pricier—but the experience is worth it. Let’s explore a few.

The Wheelhouse Bar

This classic piano bar serves up cocktails with a view. Drinks here are in the $12.00 to $16.00 range, but the ambiance (live music, vintage decor) makes it special. I recommend the “Wheelhouse Manhattan”—it’s a twist on the classic.

The Salty Dog Gastropub

Beer lovers, this one’s for you. With over 100 craft beers on tap (including local brews), you’ll find something unique. A pint of a standard craft beer is $7.50 to $9.00, but rare or limited-edition brews can be $10.00 to $12.00. They also have a “flight” option—three small pours for tasting.

Chef’s Table Wine Experience

This is a splurge, but oh-so-worth-it. For around $150 to $200 per person, you get a private dinner with wine pairings. Each course comes with a curated wine, and the sommelier explains the pairings. I did this on my anniversary, and it was one of the best meals of my life.

Poolside Bars and Happy Hour

Poolside drinks are standard prices, but look out for happy hour deals. From 3-5 PM, many ships offer 2-for-1 cocktails or $1 off beers. It’s a great way to save without sacrificing the vibe. Just don’t miss the last call—bars close early in some areas.

Money-Saving Tips and Tricks

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy drinks on a Princess cruise. Here are some practical ways to save.

Bring Your Own Wine (With a Twist)

Princess allows you to bring one bottle of wine per person on board (max 750ml). You can drink it in your cabin for free. If you want to take it to a restaurant, there’s a $15 to $25 corkage fee. Still, it’s cheaper than buying a bottle onboard. Just remember: no hard liquor or beer—only wine.

I brought a nice Chardonnay on my last cruise and saved about $40 compared to buying it onboard.

Take Advantage of Free Drinks

Princess offers several opportunities to get drinks for free:

• Captain’s Circle Receptions: If you’re a repeat cruiser (or even on your first cruise), you’ll get an invite. Free cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
• Specialty Dining Nights: Some restaurants offer complimentary wine with dinner if you book in advance.
• Onboard Events: Look for “Sip & Sail” or “Wine Tastings”—many include free samples.

Pro tip: Check your daily newsletter (delivered to your stateroom) for these events. I once got a free champagne toast during a sail-away party—just for showing up.

Buy a Reusable Cup

Many ships sell a “souvenir cup” for around $15 to $20. Once you have it, refills are cheaper—sometimes $1 to $2 off regular prices. It’s a small savings, but it adds up. Plus, you get a cool keepsake.

Limit Premium Drinks

It’s easy to get carried away with “fancy” cocktails or top-shelf liquor. Stick to standard options, and you’ll save $3 to $5 per drink. Save the splurges for special occasions.

Comparing Princess to Other Cruise Lines

How does Princess stack up against competitors? Let’s look at a quick comparison of drink prices and package options.

Drink Price Comparison

Drink Type	Princess	Carnival	Royal Caribbean	Norwegian
Soda	$2.50 – $3.50	$2.75 – $3.75	$2.95 – $3.95	$3.00 – $4.00
Domestic Beer	$5.50 – $6.50	$6.00 – $7.00	$6.25 – $7.25	$6.50 – $7.50
House Wine (Glass)	$8.00 – $10.00	$8.50 – $10.50	$9.00 – $11.00	$9.50 – $12.00
Cocktail	$10.00 – $12.00	$10.50 – $12.50	$11.00 – $13.00	$11.50 – $14.00

Princess is generally on the lower end of the price spectrum, especially for cocktails and wine. Carnival and Royal Caribbean are close, but Norwegian tends to be pricier.

Package Comparison

Princess’s Premier package is competitively priced, but Norwegian’s “Premium Plus” includes more premium drinks (up to $20). Carnival’s “Cheers!” package is similar to Princess’s but often has better early-bird discounts. Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe” package is pricier but includes more specialty coffees and bottled water.

The takeaway? Princess offers a good balance of price and value, especially if you book early.

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Drink Budget

So, how much are drinks on Princess Cruise Line? The answer is: it depends. If you’re a light drinker, you might spend $20 to $30 per day on a few beers or sodas. If you’re a cocktail enthusiast, that could jump to $50 to $70 per day—or more.

Here’s my advice: be realistic about your drinking habits. Don’t buy a package just because it “seems” like a good deal. Instead, track your drinks for a week before your cruise (or think about your last vacation). If you’d spend more than the package cost, go for it. If not, pay as you go.

And remember: drinks are just one part of the experience. The real value of a Princess cruise is the destinations, the service, and the memories. Don’t let drink prices stress you out. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great vacation—without breaking the bank.

Happy sailing, and cheers to your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are drinks on Princess Cruise Line compared to other cruise lines?

Drinks on Princess Cruise Line are competitively priced, with cocktails averaging $10–$16, beer at $6–$9, and wine by the glass around $10–$15. While slightly higher than some budget lines, they align with premium competitors like Holland America and Norwegian.

Does Princess Cruise Line offer all-inclusive drink packages?

Yes, Princess offers the Premier Beverage Package (starting at $60/day) covering cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffee, and more. The Classic Soda Package ($9/day) is ideal for non-alcoholic options.

How much are drinks on Princess Cruise Line if purchased à la carte?

À la carte pricing includes $8–$12 for cocktails, $6–$8 for bottled beer, and $9–$14 for wine by the glass. Premium brands and craft cocktails may cost extra. Menus list prices clearly onboard.

Are there free drink options included in the cruise fare?

Yes, basic drinks like water, iced tea, lemonade, and select juices are free at meals. Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are complimentary in dining rooms and buffets.

Do Princess drink packages cover specialty coffees or bottled water?

The Premier Beverage Package includes specialty coffees, bottled water, and smoothies. The Classic Soda Package covers fountain sodas and non-alcoholic drinks but not bottled water or espresso.

Is gratuity added to drink purchases on Princess Cruise Line?

Yes, a 15–18% gratuity is automatically added to all drink purchases, including packages. This tip is split among bar staff and servers, ensuring fair compensation.